Madagascar

Madagascar: the name seems synonymous with undiscovered flora and fauna, a botanists dream and an explorers' delight.

Located 400km from the coast of Africa and roughly the same size as France, Madagascar boasts its own unique floral biodiversity from the lush humid rainforests in the north-east to the brick-red savannahs of the south. Its almost mythological reputation is well deserved with over 97% of its mammals and 98% of its amphibians being found nowhere else on the planet, and new species being discovered as recently as 2005, bringing the island’s total to well over 200,000. Most famous of all Madagascar’s creatures are perhaps the lemur and the chameleon. Madagascar’s human population should not be overlooked. Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo, ‘Tana’ for short, is located in the central highlands where the climate is milder. Colourful houses, bustling flower markets, zebu-drawn carts, paddy fields and steep winding streets all draw together to make a vibrant city, a perfect place to begin and end your tour of Madagascar.

Flights and Facts:

Fly to: Antananarivo Flying time: 14 hrs 20 mins (via Johannesburg)

Time difference:

GMT+3

Visas:

Issued on arrival Health requirements: Yellow Fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic area

Best time to travel: April to November

Weather:

Due to the size of the country, Madagascar experiences a range of climatic conditions. The heaviest rainfall tends to fall on the east coast and in the north partticularly through the cyclone season between December and March. The highlands and parts of the south west remain fairly dry year round although sharp showers can be experienced in Fort Dauphin area.